Ephesus (Efes) is the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, and one of the most complete ancient cities anywhere in the world. Walking its marble main street, you pass temples, fountains, public latrines, and a library facade that still stands two storeys high after nearly 1,900 years. For anyone traveling in western Turkey, it is unmissable.
A Brief History
Founded by Greek colonists around the 10th century BC, Ephesus grew into one of the largest cities of the ancient Mediterranean — at its peak under Roman rule it had an estimated 200,000 inhabitants and served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was a major port, though the harbor gradually silted up, which is why the ruins today sit several kilometers inland. Ephesus was also an important early Christian center; the Apostle Paul lived and preached here.
What to See
The Library of Celsus. The signature monument of Ephesus, completed around 117 AD as a monumental tomb and library for the Roman governor Celsus. Its two-storey facade, with statues representing Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence, and Virtue, is one of the most photographed sights in Turkey.
The Great Theatre. Carved into the slope of Mount Pion, it seated around 25,000 spectators and is still occasionally used for performances. The acoustics are remarkable — stand at the center of the stage and speak.
Curetes Street. The marble-paved avenue running through the heart of the city, lined with columns, statue bases, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The Terrace Houses. A separate ticket, but worth it: the preserved homes of wealthy Ephesians, with astonishing floor mosaics and wall frescoes protected under a modern roof.
Nearby: The Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stands just outside Selçuk — though little remains beyond a single reconstructed column. The House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site, is a short drive up the neighboring hill.
Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)
The entrance fee is €40, with the Terrace Houses an additional €15. The Museum Pass Türkiye is accepted and can be good value if you are visiting several Turkish sites. Children under 8 enter free with ID.
Ephesus is open daily, roughly 08:00–18:00 (ticket office closes around 17:30); hours shorten in winter. As of June 2026 there are also evening "Night Museum" visits on Wednesday to Saturday from around 19:00 — a beautiful, cooler way to see the site lit up.
How to Get There
The nearest town is Selçuk, about 3 km from the site. From Selçuk you can take a local minibus (dolmuş), a taxi, or walk (30–40 minutes on a flat road — pleasant in spring, punishing in summer heat). Selçuk itself is reached most easily from İzmir: take the İZBAN suburban train (including from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport), changing at Tepeköy for the connection to Selçuk. Many visitors also come as a day trip from the resort town of Kuşadası.
Practical Tips
Go early or late. Midday in summer is brutally hot with almost no shade, and cruise-ship groups pack the site late morning. Opening time or the last two hours are best.
Bring water and a hat. There is little shade among the marble.
Enter from the top. Start at the upper (Magnesia) gate and walk downhill through the city to the Library and theatre — far easier than climbing up.
Allow 2–3 hours to do it justice, more if you include the Terrace Houses.
Curious about the history of the monument in front of you? TravelEye is a free iOS app that identifies places from a photo and translates menus and signs while you travel.